Above, Ms Ashley Dalton the victrix (were it open) at the Ring O’Bells public house on Ring o Bells Lane near the now demolished Lathom Hall (former seat of the Earls of Derby) which, back in the day (before “horseless carriages”) was a coaching in. The pub is now closed, and thus with no possibility of frightening any horses, Ms Dalton would fail in such a task – even if she wanted to!
In 1897 “The Spokesman-Review” of Spokane, Washington (the US state) reported that a group of Salvation Army members were taken to police headquarters for violating an ordinance when they played instruments and marched together in a busy district of the city.
The reporter cited; “……The ordinance says no person shall do anything upon the streets or sidewalks (pavements) which shall have a tendency to frighten horses or collect a crowd so as to interfere with the passage of teams or pedestrians…….”
Wikipedia’s report on the West Lancashire by-election (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_West_Lancashire_by-election) contrasts sharply with what the popular press are describing as “the End of Days” for the Tories, is commendably free of hype.
The one thing you can say about UK politics is that there occurs from time to time by-elections that result in the governing party suffering a heavy defeat. Often this is caused by that party’s supporters staying at home on polling day, whilst the supporters of the other parties are spurred on and turn out in enthusiasm. The over reaction (by the politicians) was best demonstrated by David, Lord Steel’s unfortunate remark; “………go home…. And prepare for government!”
Oh Dear!